PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: THE OCEAN CLUBHOUSE AT THE AMELIA ISLAND CLUB
Amelia Island is internationally known for its maritime oak forests, unspoiled beaches, and the careful integration of a world-class resort and golf community into this extraordinary natural environment.
For decades, the Ocean Clubhouse was the hub of oceanfront dining and recreation, built originally for residents and guests of the Amelia Island Plantation some three-decades ago. In 2010, the Ocean Clubhouse became part of the Amelia Island Club, offering members a beach club to compliment the Long Point Golf Course and Golf Clubhouse.
Before | First floor dining facility
Before | Banquet Hall
By the late 2010’s the Ocean Clubhouse had become a tired, outdated facility. Decades of maintenance had been deferred, the roof was leaking, and it was operationally dysfunctional. The building did not reflect the high standards of the Amelia Island Club and failed to take advantage of its dramatic oceanfront location to help attract new members and provide existing members with a first-class social and dining experience.
Recognizing these deficiencies and their unique oceanfront location, the club’s membership decided to initiate an inspired renovation to improve the facility for today and serve future generations to come. The club engaged ELM | Ervin Lovett Miller to lead the design effort, resulting in a $10 million dollar investment to transform the Ocean Club campus, expand the clubhouse by approximately 7,000 square feet, and create one of the premier seaside private club experiences in the nation.
In order to accomplish this, we partnered with Ansana Interior Design from Winter Park, Florida to provide comprehensive interior design services. Our team invested significant time with the club’s leadership and members to understand existing use patterns, preferences, and their vision for the Ocean Clubhouse. Key objectives emerged including: improve the entry and arrival experience; create higher-quality event spaces that are flexible and functional; enhance the casual dining and bar spaces; improve the interior aesthetic; and implement design solutions that allow the facility to adapt for future generations.
Event lawn
Outdoor seating and pool
THE OUTCOME
ELM’s improvements were transformative in almost every way and member use and satisfaction has increased considerably, even amidst a global pandemic.
Three distinctly unique dining experiences were created, served by two new state-of-the-art kitchens. An expanded ballroom was established, taking advantage of enchanting ocean views, and a spiral staircase connects the clubhouse building to a newly created event lawn integrated into the dunes. The arrival experience was completely transformed by significant upgrades to the primary entry and a dramatic two-story entrance to the ballroom, featuring a grand staircase announcing your arrival. Additionally, offices were re-located, accessibility was enhanced, and Ansana curated an inspired modern-coastal aesthetic, complete with artisan finishes, furnishings, art, and décor.
BoardRoom Magazine recently recognized the Amelia Island Club’s Ocean Clubhouse as the recipient of their 2020 Excellence in Achievement for Interior Design.
ELM | Ervin Lovett Miller is a leading design practice that creates sustainable, inspired places for people.
The firm’s leadership, innovation, and collaborative spirit are applied to the disciplines of planning, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design. ELM’s commitment to creative design, technical excellence, superior service to clients, sustainability, and a multidisciplinary perspective brings value to national and international projects, working from our Jacksonville, Florida studio.
ELM’s experience and expertise have contributed to many successful, noteworthy projects for a diverse array of clients including: urban planning and mixed-use developments; residential planned communities; hotels and resorts; golf and club amenities; commercial and multi-family; healthcare and assisted living; tribal master planning; parks, recreational, and open space; and specialized office and retail developments.
